Mechanically Strained Cells of the Osteoblast Lineage Organize Their Extracellular Matrix Through Unique Sites of αVβ3-Integrin Expression

Abstract excerpt

Bone cells transduce mechanical signals into anabolic biochemical responses. However, the mechanisms of mechanotransduction are unknown. To address this issue, we performed studies in primary cells of the human osteoblast lineage grown on collagen/vitronectin-coated supports. We discovered that mechanical strain stimulated a redistribution of the alphavbeta3-integrin to irregular plaque-like areas at the...